42 minute read
Heated village council contests
12 ENTER THE RACE FOR COUNCIL
SEAT 1
SUE MILLER
Age: 78 Years living in Islamorada: 41 Profession: retired, was real estate broker in Islamorada for 20 years, computer programmer in the 1960s and 1970s.
I chose to move to Islamorada and raise my two sons here because of my love of the water, the environment, the small-town environment. I have watched as the involvement of residents in government decision-making has declined to disappointing levels. Are residents afraid to speak up or are they just ignored? The people need to have a louder voice in the decisions impacting lives and the future of the village. I will work to provide more opportunity for residents to be heard. Residents and the existing businesses are the heart and soul of Islamorada. Yet they often have needs and expectations that are not being met. We need to do everything we can to foster community engagement and transparency, build trust and accountability.
I have been a community advocate for decades, attending village council meetings regularly, participating in village committees. I believe I can be a voice for the residents and small businesses. For 20 years I owned a small business in Islamorada and understand the struggles. I research the issues, I know and understand the village Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Regulations. My motivation is simple – I think we all need to work together to create a plan to make Islamorada the best it can be.
PETE BACHELER
Age: 74 Years living in Islamorada: 37 Profession: Private land use planner.
I was a private land use planner in the village for over 35 years. I was chairman of the village Land Planning Agency for over five years so the next step was to run for council.
My first year on council I was the vice mayor and this year the mayor. I’ve chaired over 50 village council hearings which brings a wealth of knowledge in “how the village does things” to the council. More importantly, I’ve met and talked to a lot of residents in person or on the phone. Communication is the key to business success as well as the success of the village.
ANGEL BORDEN
Age: 60 years Years living in Islamorada: February 2011. Returned permanently to Islamorada and here full time for 12 years (originally left the USA 30 years ago). Profession: Businesswoman providing company administration and also owner of a kayak rental company.
My personal tolerance level of frustration has exploded with the ongoing issues neglected for over five and 10 years. The lack of transparency by every single council to resolve these problems coupled with numerous residents over several years saying, “why don’t you run?” It is time for a change. Frustration with the amounts of money spent on studies/projects with waiver of competitive bids. $55,000 for what to do with the Fills and at the last village meeting it came out “we can do nothing without asking DOT permission.” We have qualified employees and volunteer committees that could have performed this “survey” and saved $55,000.
Transparency and accountability in the actions by the council and the employees of the Village. It is obvious due to many recent events proper HR policies were “forgotten” or “ignored” allowing improper sexual contact behind closed doors; employees’ rights to a safe workplace were ignored. It is reprehensible that this conduct was not addressed in previous years or at the very least by our last short-term manager as due to his failure to act the workplace became extremely toxic and several highly qualified employees resigned. At 60 years young I bring over 30 years of accounting, property management experience including condo complexes of over 70 units as manager and board member. I have been responsible for preparing for multiple hurricanes and the resulting disaster recovery of Hurricane Ivan in the Cayman Islands that included human resources management of over 80 employees, each of which was held to a code of conduct.
MARK GREGG
Age: 63 Years living in Islamorada: 35 Profession: Real estate attorney (semiretired).
I have loved serving the people of Islamorada as an attorney since I started practicing law here in 1987, and as a councilman when I was first elected to the village council in 2000. Islamorada has many threats, challenges and opportunities that I have been focused on since incorporation in 1997, and I would like to continue working to improve Islamorada’s economy and quality of life, and to protect our community character and fragile natural environment.
Leadership experience, knowledge of the community and professionalism. I was honored to serve as an Islamorada village councilman from 2000 to 2004, including a year as mayor and a year as vice mayor. I also served as a member of the Islamorada Land Planning Agency, including a year as chairman and a year as vice chairman, and as a member of the Islamorada Achievable Housing Advisory Committee. I practiced real estate and business law full-time in Islamorada for nearly 20 years, I was active in the Upper Keys Rotary Club for 17 years, and for 4 years I taught business law at the Florida Keys Community College (now known as the College of the Florida Keys). In 1998, I built the first 3 affordable housing units permitted by the village.
QUESTIONS: This November, all five seats on the village dais are up for grabs. Enter 12 candidates ready to take on some tough tasks facing the village. The Keys Weekly asked each the following questions:
What led you to run for Islamorada Village Council?
What can you bring to the dais, if elected?
Answers as submitted
SEAT 2
SEATS IN ISLAMORADA
SEAT 3 SEAT 4
MARY BARLEY
Age: 76 Years living in Islamorada: Resident since 1998, have been visiting Keys since 1970s. Profession: Retired. Interestingly, a number of people approached me to consider running. I had recently stepped down as chairman of The Everglades Trust, therefore I have time to devote to other issues and my community is important to me. I live here year-round and will make a difference.
I am knowledgeable about government having spent the last 30 years driving Everglades and Florida Bay restoration. I have experience moving lobbyists, government agencies, bureaucrats, citizens, elected officials, to do the right thing. The current council does not respect each other, and meetings last until late at night. I know how to facilitate a productive debate and get to a resolution quickly and efficiently. More importantly, I excel in ensuring projects and policy are implemented correctly.
ELIZABETH JOLIN
Age: Over 50 Years living in Islamorada: 25 Profession: Captain with Bay and Reef Company and real estate agent with Island Equity Real Estate.
For the past 25 years of living in Islamorada I have intentionally avoided village politics since nothing can spoil neighborhood friendships faster than political differences. However, after several controversial village council and village staff decisions which have abruptly changed the town, I realized that my rights to complain are limited by my own limitations of willingness to engage. It is urgent for us to design the future of Islamorada in this way: 1) Control growth, understanding the connection between our neighborhoods, our environment and the economy; 2) Establish legitimate pathways to civic engagement where the voice of citizens is heard just as loudly as the voice of the council and developers; and 3) Envision a future of Islamorada that ensures worthy, middle-wage employment, peaceful neighborhoods, thriving coral reefs, ample bonefish, healthy seagrass, and crystal clear water. This foundation will ensure a bright and desirable future for our residents as well as our tourists.
I function with integrity and a commitment to fairness. By consistently making decisions based on input from the community and these principles, my qualifications are sound.
BUDDY PINDER
Age: 65 Years living in Islamorada: Most of my life. Profession: Underground utilities contractor.
I have enjoyed serving the community of Islamorada. Islamorada is the place where I grew up, and where I raised my children, and where my grandchildren are being raised. I love this community and the people in it who are dedicated to preserving the unique characteristics of our small island village; that is, the fishing capital of the world. My hope is to continue fostering unity and harmony in our village, and to be sensitive to the needs of all residents and businesses. Our focus should be making decisions that benefit all of us, and not so myopic that we lose sight that we are a diverse community. A community of people who choose to live on our little group of islands and also deserve a representative who will actively listen and find thoughtful and considerate solutions.
I bring the experience of being a councilman for almost two years, and the experience of being on the board of directors for the Florida League of Mayors. While we are navigating challenging issues such as the pedestrian bridge, management of the Fills, and the permitting issues revolving around 2023, I believe we need people on the ground who will actually read legislation and understand the implications of the statutes and laws being crafted, and work toward sensible solutions.
HENRY ROSENTHAL
Age: Did not respond Years living in Islamorada: 57 Profession: Former owner of Green Turtle Inn, Whale Harbor, Marker 88, former owner of Green Turtle Cab Company and entertainer of 37 years.
The encouragement of the people. Obviously, I enjoy what I am doing. I’ve been successful on many occasions, which found the rest of the board going along with my proposals. I have a few things on my plate. Everyone says we want to extend terms from the 2 years to 4 because everyone has things they want to do. My position is where are you on these projects now? And I took on the project of pulling the plug on the walkover bridge even though the Florida Department of Transportation had holes in the ground. With the help of other board members that got done. The second thing I listed was Christmas decorations. I was successful this past year and I plugged into the budget $50,000 for Christmas. That's a big number. It turned out very well. When it came time to reup the $50,000 I didn’t have to say a word. Another councilman said let’s do $100,000. One of the things I’m working on right now is the bus stops to redo them to be more consistent with the environment and look of Islamorada. And that’s in the works. And the other thing people are not aware of that I’m working on is removal of plastic bags out of grocery stores and balloons to protect water and our fisheries. I’m undertaking that as a project as well. These are things I'll talk about publicly.
You’re going with someone with common sense. It takes time to have common sense. If age has anything to do with it, I should be at a pretty good level. I have lived it. I’ve been successful and I also had failure. But you can’t have success without having a few failures.
12 ENTER THE RACE FOR COUNCIL SEATS IN ISLAMORADA
SEAT 4 SEAT 5
CASEY WATKINS
Age: 40 Years living in Islamorada: 4 Profession: Managing Partner with Starbucks.
Running for village council is important to me because personally, I am fulfilled when being helpful and productive in our unique community as I continue to live and grow in Islamorada. My love for the Keys is rooted in my childhood, as I spent much of my free time down here with my best friend and his family. Islamorada residents have proven our resiliency multiple times in the last few years as we worked tirelessly to rebuild after Irma and focused our efforts on ensuring everyone's safety and economic success during the pandemic. However, the established village is young and has experienced growing pains. There are measurable and attainable opportunities for creating positive change, while safely maintaining Islamorada's integrity and special attributes. I am excited to help build and become part of the team leading Islamorada in sustaining our incredible ecosystem we have been entrusted to protect, and guiding us forward in our long term mission, developing open communication and transparency between neighbors and governing officials. We need true ambassadors of Islamorada to be accountable as role models who take time to ensure each member of this community has a voice. We must begin developing the next generation of local leaders. While top directives are delivered by the village manager’s office, there are clear needs that I'll diligently continue to follow through to completion.
Winning the election will provide an incredible opportunity to further my service within the community I genuinely love. Gathering to celebrate events championed by our neighbors should be met with genuine excitement for everyone's success. It is sad to witness division when we are all part of a tightly knitted community with great history.
QUESTIONS:
What led you to throw your name in the hat for Islamorada Village Council?
What can you bring to the dais, if elected?
Answers as submitted
DAVID WEBB
Age: 70 Years living in Islamorada: 9 Profession: Retired FedEx Capt.
I have always believed it is a civic responsibility to contribute to the community in which you live. As a first term councilman, I have experienced a very steep learning curve and believe I am now in an even better position to help address the significant challenges our community will face in the next few years.
I have served as an elected official for over 20 years, as chairman of the pilots’ association at FedEx, on the Port Antigua POA and now the village council. I am unencumbered as a member of the village council as I am retired and have no business or investment interests in our community. This provides me with the ability to approach all decisions I make on behalf of our community with a single objective: What’s the right thing to do for the most folks. Period.
TOM RAFANELLO
Age: 74 Years living in Islamorada: 13 Profession: Retired drug enforcement special agent in charge (1972-2005).
My family and I have been Islamorada residents for 13 years. We have two children attending Plantation Key School. Having served in Congress (1994-96) as the Drug Enforcement Administration’s chief congressional liaison, I have followed the political landscape, both nationally and locally, for decades. In Islamorada, our village council seems to have forgotten that they serve the residents. The voice of the residents should be their priority. Unfortunately, it is not. I do not believe in criticizing from the sidelines. It is too easy, with no sacrifice involved. I want to step up and do something to solve problems and represent the will of the residents. It would be a change for the better, and I know we can do better. I want to help make our village what it was incorporated to be – the jewel of the Florida Keys.
I bring 20 years of executive management experience. I ran statewide investigative operations in Arizona and Florida as the DEA’s special agent in charge. I also served as chief of worldwide operations, with responsibility for 10,000 employees in 70 countries and 110 domestic offices. The budget exceeded $250 million. I have the leadership, competence and skill set that the village council requires if we are to achieve the priorities identified by residents. I know how to problem-solve in a timely manner, how to execute budgets, and, most importantly, how to listen to residents. I never lost sight of who I served. I want to bring these skills to the Islamorada Village Council, as it cries out for an infusion of leadership, competence and accountability. The residents of Islamorada deserve nothing less. The needs of our residents, children and seniors, should be monitored and met.
SHARON MAHONEY
Age: 65 Years living in Islamorada: 50 years Profession: Owner Enchanted Florist.
I think the main reason for my entering is the way our community has changed. What was once a small "everyone knew each other” community has now joined the rest of the world. In some ways the change happened fast, without the people living here having a chance to think about what was and will be our future. I have been lucky to have spent my childhood here growing up in the perfect beautiful Florida Keys. Moving back home in the early ’90s after college really opened my eyes to the change. Watching the hammock being cleared, small "mom and pop" businesses leaving, big money moving in has been both sad and eye opening. I have listened to lifelong friends and newcomers begging to understand how this got away from us. ... I want to try and keep what I have known and loved my whole life for the younger generations to have the memories I hold. My father always said "If you are not willing to help solve the problem then you are part of the problem.” I try and live by that. I think that is what really made my decision.
I think I can bring a fresh set of eyes to the table. I am blessed to have everything I need, no motive to gain anything from sitting on council. I have a very successful business for 26 years now. It started as a (nonprofit) cat rescue, which has 21 years of giving back to this community. I run two very large charity fishing tournaments every year; that goes totally to the community. I know how to run a business and I know how to make tough decisions and work with people, and I know what it is like to care about my fellow residents and what we need to protect and change that has to happen. We need to stop the division and learn to listen and work together. Everyone sitting on the council needs to be totally transparent.
Assisted by fellow Eagle Scout candidates and volunteers, Simon Gutierrez prepares to mix cement to support the beams of the message board. CONTRIBUTED
Islamorada Director of Public Works Andrew Engelmeyer levels a wooden beam as Simon Gutierrez drills into a temporary support. CONTRIBUTED
KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL
www.keysweekly.com
Eagle Scout project benefi ts Islamorada nature preserve
Newly poured concrete anchors the wooden beams supporting an empty, unassuming glass display case. This recently installed message board welcomes guests to the Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve in Islamorada. "I wanted to add something here,” said 17-year-old Simon Gutierrez. “I thought of a bulletin board to spread information."
Gutierrez is a Coral Shores High School incoming senior and a Boy Scout. This message board is his final project required to earn the coveted rank of Eagle Scout. "It's like the flagship accomplishment of any Scout," said friend and fellow Eagle Scout candidate, Keegan Wittke. For his Eagle Scout project, Wittke built a large enclosure for the Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary.
The Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve is home to the nonprofit Florida Bay Forever. Executive Director Jeff Baumgartner is excited to put Gutierrez's project to good use. "Looking forward to getting some good information on that board and to bringing some folks in to learn about Florida Bay," said Baumgartner.
Gutierrez joined the Cub Scouts when he was 6 and became a Boy Scout in the fifth grade. He has dedicated 11 years to the program. Becoming an Eagle Scout has required persistence, and for this last challenge, a lot of jumping through hoops. "It's not just about building something. It's about submitting a plan, getting sponsorship, meeting people face-to-face, building the project and then writing up a final report," said Gutierrez. "We had to sit down and talk about what size he wanted to do, what materials he needed," added his father, Luis Gutierrez.
As the plan to build the message display case took shape on paper, Gutierrez then had to secure support from the community to make his idea a reality. "I made my project plan which included the supply section and tool section and that's where I got donations from Forest Tek and funds from Forest Tek," said Gutierrez.
Forest Tek Lumber generously offered up supplies. Many others in the community donated time and expertise. Islamorada Village public works director Andrew Engelmeyer provided the technical know-how.
Gutierrez's co-worker at Island Grill, Josh Welch, heard about the Eagle Scout project while Gutierrez was working at the restaurant as a busboy. "I saw him doing his paperwork and I told him I grew up in the Boy Scouts, my brother's an Eagle Scout; if he ever needed financial support I could get it for him," said Welch.
Gutierrez's mother, Veronica, owns Veronica's Art and Glass Studio in Tavernier. She donated the glass case for the message board. She says her son has always been a self-motivator. "This year he has been involved in so much that I couldn't keep up with him," said Veronica with a laugh.
Besides working on his Eagle Scout project and working at Island Grill, Gutierrez is on the Coral Shores High School track team, setting two school records last year. He is also busy looking into colleges; he hopes to study finance in the future.
Gutierrez still needs to write a final report about this experience before he can become an Eagle Scout.
As he put the finishing touches on the message display case, Gutierrez shared his sense of accomplishment for a job well done. "It's satisfaction,” he said. “I'm glad it actually worked out."
Simon Gutierrez and his parents, Veronica and Luis Gutierrez, stand next to Simon's newly installed message board at the Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve at Mile Marker 81. KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly
Fighting for the
Florida Keys
As your County Commissioner, Holly’s priorities include:
Streamlining local government and focusing on efficiency when serving County residents Planning and implementing resiliency measures to preserve and protect our environment and combat sea level rise and other climate-related threats Addressing workforce housing challenges to promote a robust local economy
www.hollymerrillraschein.com
JIM McCARTHY
jim@keysweekly.com
LOUD MUSIC FINES & SMOKING AT PARKS
New state laws change policy on many matters
State legislators sent a number of bills that appropriated funds and set policy to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk for approval during the last legislative session in Tallahassee. Of the 269 bills signed by DeSantis, 145 set policy that took effect July 1. Several Keysspecific bills passing through the legislature allocated $51 million for various projects and set guidelines for vessel mooring, specifically in Key West. Other approved bills now change law on a number of issues throughout the state and the Keys.
HB 921 - CAMPAIGN FINANCING
Passing through the House on March 10 and the Senate on March 4, the bill that became law prohibits contributions from foreign entities for federal and state candidate elections, including contributions to political party committees and contributions for campaign ads. Before the bill became law, Florida imposed no specific restrictions on foreign contributors. But there were limits on contributions to sponsors of initiative petitions and opposing committees during the period of petition circulation. The new state law emulates current federal regulations restricting contributions from foreign entities for elections.
SB 1110 - GREASE WASTE REMOVAL
Legislation approved by the House and Senate requires haulers to dispose of grease waste at a disposal facility and prevents them from returning grease waste or graywater to a grease interceptor or trap. Fats, oils and grease are usually found in kitchens as ingredients or byproducts of cooking. Improper disposal, usually down kitchen sinks, can cause environmental damage. In a sewer system, fats, oil and grease can solidify and accumulate around the insides of underground sewer pipes, which can lead to blockages, backups, pipe bursts and overflows. The bill requires that upon completion of grease waste disposal, the disposal facility operator and the hauler must have records verifying that fats, oils and greases were properly disposed of. Those who violate the law could face a $2,500 the first time and a $5,000 fine the second time.
HB 105 - SMOKING REGULATIONS
Counties and municipalities are allowed to restrict smoking, except for unfiltered cigars, within public beaches or parks. The Florida Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits people from smoking, vaping or using tobacco at indoor workplaces. State law previously preempted the regulation of smoking and did not allow counties or municipalities to regulate smoking.
HB 1421 - SCHOOL SAFETY
School district boards and charter school governing boards are required to enact plans that reunite families when public K-12 schools are closed or unexpectedly evacuated due to natural or manmade disasters. Law enforcement officers responsible for responding to schools in the event of an assailant emergency are required to participate in active assailant drills.
SB 1054 — FINANCIAL LITERACY IN SCHOOLS
Students entering their freshman year this coming school year will be required to take a personal financial literacy and management course in order to receive their high school diploma. Before the bill became law, school districts were required to offer a financial literacy course as an elective, but it wasn’t a graduation requirement. Financial literacy instruction includes earning income, buying goods and services, taxes, investing, debt management and credit scores.
FLORIDA STATUTE 316.3045 — LOUD MUSIC IN VEHICLES
Effective July 1, drivers playing excessively loud music can be pulled over by law enforcement. Specifically, the law forbids a vehicle from playing music or other sounds that are “plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet or more from the vehicle.” Citations for violating the law could cost motorists between $114 and $116, depending on which Florida county issues the ticket.
PIXABAY/Contributed
Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina at Founders Park.
LOCAL BOAT RAMPS CLOSED DURING LOBSTER SPORT SEASON
Boat ramp at Founders Park remains open
JIM McCARTHY
jim@keysweekly.com
Two public boat ramps in residential neighborhoods in Islamorada will be closed off throughout the two-day lobster mini-season.
Per a press release by the village of Islamorada, the ramps at East Ridge Road and Blackwood Drive will be blocked off to boat launching beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 26. The two ramps, which don’t have any boat trailer parking, will remain closed until 8 a.m. on Friday, July 27. Lobster mini-season kicks off at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27 and ends at midnight on Thursday, July 28.
Barriers will be placed to close the ramps to boats, but they will remain open to kayaks and paddleboards.
Boat ramp closures began in 2021 to halt activity at the small, neighborhood ramps. Islamorada village council members ordered the closures during the busy weekends, like the Fourth of July and lobster sport season, to minimize negative impacts to village residents.
Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina at Founders Park will be open to those looking to launch their boat. The ramp opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. Non-resident fees are $20 each way ($40 round trip.) When the trailer parking lot is full, restrictions will apply.
The Blackwood boat ramp. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly
The East Ridge boat ramp.
Islamorada also encourages visitors to use private marina facilities. The water access point at Indian Key remains closed.
In Islamorada, no snorkeling or diving is allowed within 300 feet of improved residential or commercial shoreline, or any man-made or private canal or public and private marinas. This rule applies during the three days preceding lobster mini-season, Wednesday, July 27 and Thursday, July 28 and the first five days of regular lobster season.
TDC RELEASES VIDEO ON REGULATIONS, SAFETY FOR LOBSTER SEASONS
The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has released a new video to communicate lobster harvest regulations and safety tips in advance of the two-day lobster sport season and traditional lobster harvesting season.
The statewide two-day “miniseason” begins at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, and ends at midnight Thursday night, July 28. Regular lobster season begins at 12:01 a.m. Aug. 6, 2022, and continues through March 31, 2023.
Part of an extensive TDC-produced public awareness initiative, the 2.5-minute video is at KeysLobsterSeason.com and features Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Capt. David Dipre. He explains rules and regulations for lobster hunting within the Keys such as daily limits and correct harvesting techniques, as well as information on protecting the marine environment. The video wraps up with Dipre discussing dive and boating safety tips.
The lobster season safety video also can be accessed through the island chain’s FloridaKeysTV YouTube channel. The direct link is youtube.com/watch?v=LYrno9yrz5M.
The video and an information brochure are two segments of a lobster season awareness program that includes public service advertisements, digital outdoor advertising, a South Florida radio campaign targeting English- and Spanish-speaking audiences and the dedicated KeysLobsterSeason. com website.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is assisting by publicizing KeysLobsterSeason.com on their portable Dynamic Messaging Signs positioned at points on the Overseas Highway.
FWC Capt. David Dipre outlines rules and regulations for lobster hunting in the Keys. ANDY NEWMAN/Contributed
Keys lodging and other tourism businesses are encouraged to share the KeysLobsterSeason.com web address with guests before their arrival in the Keys. They can also print out a two-page digital version of the brochure, available on the website, and distribute it to guests after they arrive.
TDC efforts are part of a multiagency communications strategy by a countywide lobster miniseason task force, started in 2021 by County Commissioner Michelle Coldiron and Marathon Mayor John Bartus. The initiative involves representatives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Keys municipalities and the tourism industry.
Local, state and federal agencies strictly enforce lobster harvest and boating safety regulations in the Keys.
— Contributed
Loralea Carrera and Jerry Wilkinson in the Jerry Wilkinson Research Library at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center. KEYS HISTORY & DISCOVERY CENTER/ Contributed
Lecture welcomes historian Jerry Wilkinson and Loralea Carrera
The Florida Keys History & Discovery Center is hosting a lecture showcasing Loralea Carrera’s Then & Now Favorites and the Jerry Wilkinson documentary, “Adventures in History” on Wednesday, July 27 beginning at 6 p.m.
A question-and-answer session by both Carrera and Wilkinson will follow, as well as a book signing for the historic Keys Lighthouse Book. This is the KHDC’s second lecture durings its summer series. Wilkinson serves as president of Upper Keys Historical Preservation Society.
Doors open at 5 p.m. for networking and cash bar; the lecture begins at 6 p.m. The lecture is at the Keys History & Discovery Center and Islander Resort Conference Center, MM 82. Lectures are free for members and $10 for nonmembers. Secure your seat with an advance registration at 305-922-2237 or https:// buytickets.at/floridakeyshistorydiscoverycenter/712399. — Contributed
BURMESE PYTHON WITH 100-PLUS EGGS DISCOVERED AT BIG CYPRESS
Two female Burmese pythons, hatchlings and more than 100 eggs – hatched and unhatched – were recently discovered by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation and a contractor in Big Cypress National Preserve. Officer Matthew Rubenstein was on routine patrol just before midnight on July 11 when he saw a python contractor, Alex McDuffie, bag a hatchling python in the preserve. Rubeinstein checked the contractor’s permits and could see that the python was a fresh hatchling. The two searched the area for more when they discovered 18 more live hatchlings. Further search found two nests with 23 unhatched eggs and 74 recently hatched eggs. A 10-foot female python, 18 hatchlings and 23 unhatched python eggs were removed from the preserve for the Big Cypress Python research program. Another female python removed from a nest measured 17 feet and 6 inches. FLORIDA FISH & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION/Contributed
BRIEFLY
Common phone scam reported in the Keys
Multiple residents called the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office last week to report scammers calling them, claiming to be associated with Monroe County law enforcement.
In each instance, the residents did the right thing by hanging up and calling the sheriff’s office for verification.
The scam is common nationally: A criminal will call you posing as a deputy with the sheriff’s office and claim you have warrants, unpaid traffic tickets, missed jury duty or some other madeup offense. They will then instruct you to pay them over the phone to resolve the fake issue. Often they will ask the intended victim to pay with storebought gift cards — a sure sign you’re getting scammed.
The criminals use phone numbers and often will use real officials’ names during the scams. Some residents have previously reported getting calls from someone posing as Sheriff Rick Ramsay.
Residents should never give personal, monetary or gift card information to anyone over the phone, in a text, or an email — to anyone regardless of who they claim to be — without first checking with that person, utility, business, or government agency.
Anyone with information about any crimes should contact the Sheriff's Office at 305-292-7000. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-471-8477. If a tip leads to an arrest in the case, the caller may be eligible for a cash reward. Tips may also be submitted online at www.floridakeyscrimestoppers.com or via a text message using the smartphone app called P3 Phone. Tips can also be submitted via social media such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the @CrimeStoppers305 hashtag.
Florida's $4.27-per-gallon gas lowest since May
Florida gas prices dropped another 15 cents last week. The state average is now on a 5-week streak of declines, falling a total of 62 cents per gallon.
On July 17, the average price for gasoline was $4.27 per gallon. This time last year, the price was $3 a gallon. On average it costs $64 to fill an average-sized 15-gallon tank of gas. That's $9 less than what drivers paid when gas prices hit their peak of $4.89 in mid-June. "For the first time in a couple months, drivers in some Florida cities are beginning to find pump prices below $4 a gallon," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Oil prices suffered significant drops last week, clearing the way for additional discounts at the pump. Although global supplies remain an ongoing concern, the EIA reported a steep drop in domestic gasoline demand.”
SEVEN MILE BRIDGE’S EARLY DAYS
The Overseas Highway is a spectacular string of asphalt and concrete and one of North America's most scenic drives. One of the highlights of the drive is crossing the Seven Mile Bridge that connects Marathon with the Lower Keys. While the bridge is an engineering marvel worthy of appreciation, the vantage point and the unobstructed views it provides are the real treasure.
There are two Seven Mile Bridges – the railroad bridge and the modern highway bridge.
The original Seven Mile Bridge, built to accommodate the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railway, was a collection of four bridges. The first three spans, Knights Key (6,803 feet), Pigeon Key (5,935 feet), and Moser Channel (13,947 feet), were built using concrete piers reinforced with three-quarter-inch steel rods. Steel girders, weighing more than 40 tons each and measuring 80 feet long, were lowered across the piers to create the foundation on which the railroad tracks were later attached. The fourth section, the Pacet Channel Viaduct (9,035 feet), used a different design – a series of concrete arches to support the tracks – hence its distinction as a viaduct.
Like the Jewfish Creek Bridge that brought the train to Key Largo, the Seven Mile Bridge incorporated a swing bridge, into the Moser Channel section to accommodate boat traffic moving between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The bridge required a tender to remain on site to swing it open and close it again when ships needed to pass.
The bridge and the rest of Henry Flagler's railroad became temporarily obsolete following the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane.
The Category 5 hurricane took more than 500 lives. It also destroyed 40 miles of railroad track and ended the run of Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad. As a result of the storm, the right-of-way followed by Flagler's train was sold to the state, and, in 1937, many of the former railroad bridges were widened to accommodate automobile traffic – including the four spans of the Seven Mile Bridge. The second version of the Overseas Highway used the newly widened Seven Mile Bridge. The bridge, and the new and improved highway, opened to traffic on March 29, 1938 – July 4 marked the highway’s official reopening.
In 1981, on March 2, at 12:50 p.m. on a Monday, tragedy struck at the swing bridge. A Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority worker was driving his flatbed truck across the Seven Mile Bridge. The driver was transporting a backhoe as he approached the 253-foot-long section of swing bridge spanning Moser Channel.
The bridge tender, Peter Charles Fancher, was sitting in the small wooden office built within the steel girders supporting the bridge. Fancher, 39, was in the middle of a 12-hour shift and looking forward to retiring from his position. The clearance of the bridge was 15 feet and 3 inches. The backhoe secured to the truck exceeded that height, and as the truck approached the swing-bridge section, the backhoe collided with a series of steel girders before striking several large propane tanks. The resulting explosion went off like a bomb and incinerated the wooden office. Fancher, of Big Pine Key, was killed instantly.
Not long after the tragedy, the modern Seven Mile Bridge would replace the Flagler-era bridges. Construction on the new and improved automobile bridge began in 1979; it officially opened to traffic on May 24, 1982. Technically, the new Seven Mile Bridge is 35,862 feet long and 1,098 feet short of its seven-mile claim. Because the modern Seven Mile Bridge runs roughly parallel to the old railroad bridge, it gives drivers a view of the old railroad bridges that were previously unseen to passing motorists. The old railroad bridges, still erect after more than 100 years of standing in the sub-tropical elements, are the real engineering marvels.
In 1994, the old railroad bridge played a dramatic role during the filming of the Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis thriller “True Lies.” Missiles destroyed the span that once accommodated the swing bridge at Moser Chanel in the film. The Hollywood magic trick did not really happen. What exploded was a replica, an 80-foot bridge designed to be a stunt double – kaboom! Two barges augmented the actual bridge, and fake debris submerged on either side of the gap to demonstrate the result of the explosion.
While the Seven Mile Bridge, both old and new, and the brilliant blue water views are the real attraction, a little bit of love must be saved for the Australian pine tree that has been famously growing on the Pacet Channel Bridge in the area of Mile Marker 41. Fred the Tree, as the tree is officially known, is a minor Florida Keys celebrity because it managed to dig its roots into the crumbling remains of the Pacet Channel Viaduct section of the old railroad bridge three or four decades ago and never gave up.
Even when you are not in the Keys, you can keep up with Fred the Tree on his official Facebook page – he has more than 17,000 followers. The Florida Keys are special, and the Overseas Highway can be an amazing introduction to the islands. Slow down and enjoy one of the country's most scenic drives, especially when driving over the Seven Mile Bridge, and remember, around Mile Marker 41, to give Fred a friendly wave. The tree is doing everything it can to remind the world that anything is possible.
Moser Channel Swing Bridge. FLORIDA KEYS PUBLIC LIBRARIES/Contributed
is an author, speaker, and Florida Keys historian. His latest book, “The Florida Keys Skunk Ape Files,” is a fun blend of two of his favorite subjects — Florida Keys history and the Skunk Ape.
BRAD BERTELLI
LAW GROUP OPENS NEW OFFICE IN KEY LARGO
Attorney Michelle Kane of the Florida Keys Law Group, center, mingles with guests during a ribbon-cutting event for her new office located above West Marine in the Pink Plaza at MM 103 in Key Largo on July 15. Florida Keys Law Group is dedicated to helping people find the right solution by offering a variety of dispute resolution services, including mediation and arbitration. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners welcomed three new firefighter/ EMTs to Monroe County Fire Rescue at the board’s July 20 meeting. Family and friends joined the commissioners and fire rescue staff at a badge pinning and oath presentation.
“The hard work they put in makes my job easier,” said Monroe County Training Battalion Chief Charlie Mather. He said to the new hires, “The challenges placed before you to get into fire service were not small; never lose sight of the passion you had to get here nor let go of the compassion and empathy you need for the lives you will impact.”
The three new hires include: • Lisandro Gonzalez, firefighter/ EMT, of Hialeah, went to Coral Springs Fire Academy for his fire certification and Miami Dade College for his EMT certification. He realized he wanted to become a firefighter after calling 911 for his grandfather, who needed emergency care.
• Luis Garcia, firefighter/EMT, graduated from South Miami High School and received a bachelor’s degree in special education and his fire and Paramedic certifications from Miami Dade College. After teaching for a few years, he decided to change his career path and fell in love with fire service. He is excited to serve the community with one common goal, to serve and protect. • Robert Ruiz, firefighter/EMT, attended Braddock Senior High in Westchester and received his fire certification at Broward Fire Academy and his EMT from Miami Dade College. He recently finished his paramedic certification course at the American Medical Academy. He enjoys learning about emergency medicine and looks forward to making a difference in someone’s life. — Contributed
WELCOME TO THE SQUAD
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A TASTE OF ITALY COMES TO ISLAMORADA
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A sneak preview inside the new Italian Food Company
Guests stopping by the new Italian Food Company in Islamorada enjoyed delectable cocktails and menu items as part of a special preview on July 15. Owners Tony and Isis Wright welcomed locals to a new Italian restaurant that, on the inside, comes to life with scenes from Italy. With plenty of pasta and other Italian dishes came wine and some dancing. The new restaurant, located at the former Bentley’s restaurant, offers indoor dining, two unique sitdown bars and an expanded menu. Isis said they’re planning to keep the core menu from their Key Largo location inside their new restaurant, but they want to add some seafood dishes. Isis said the new restaurant will open Tuesday, July 26. — Weekly staff report
1. On your Toes Dance Studio co-director and instructor Stephanie Zlokie and fi shing Captain Skip Bradeen dance together during a soft opening for the Italian Food Company.
2. Chef Raff ele Rosati prepares the signature cheese wheel pasta — the Cacio E Pepe.
3. Tillman Meury and Tony Wright’s mom, Maria Wright, speak to guests.
4. Tony Wright, at far left, owner of the Italian Food Company, gazes at his restaurant during the soft opening.
5. The new Italian Food Company restaurant is located at the former Bentley’s restaurant in Islamorada.
6. Tony and Isis Wright, owners of the Italian Food Company, pose together with a bottle of limoncell.
7. The 8.8-ounce Mozzarella Di Bufala is fl own in weekly.
— Photos by Doug Finger
HAMMER TIME
Rare shark sighting in the Florida Keys
CONSERVATION TIP
Sharks play a very important role in our ecosystems. And many species are threatened almost to extinction. We can help. Take part in our weekly Shark Awareness dives and help be a part of the solution. Call either shop for details.
I.CARE planted corals as part of the PADI Womens Dive Day on Saturday. And we’ll be planting again this Saturday with Key Dives. Remember, locals plant for free.
PLEASANT CONDITIONS GREET DIVERS
Divers heading out for a dive underneath the Florida Keys waters had great conditions last week. The winds picked up just a tad on July 17, but it was still good enough to head out for some dives.
BUMPY WATERS EXPECTED
This week, conditions are expected to be slightly bumpier out there. They are calling for sustained winds that will produce 2- to 3-foot waves inshore. The smaller vessels may want to sit this week out.
HAMMERHEAD SPOTTED
As you all know who read this weekly article, I love sharks. They have been a passion of mine since I was a little boy in Michigan. We are constantly diving with nurse sharks, which we love, but any time we get to witness any of the apex predator sharks, like a bull or a hammerhead, it’s an extra special treat. My favorite shark to dive with is the great hammerhead. I've traveled all over the Caribbean to dive with these majestic beasts. But on July 16, we didn't have to travel very far at all. In fact we got to hang with one right in our backyard. It's rare to see a hammerhead this time of year so it was an extra special treat. And we happened to have our shop photographer, Tony Timpano, on the dive to capture it.
ERIC BILLIPS
is the owner, captain and instructor at Islamorada Dive Center and Florida Keys Dive Center. He specializes in scuba, rebreather, spearfi shing and captaining in the Florida Keys.
Proud supporters of conservation e orts across the beautiful Florida Keys
MESSAGE FROM THE SHERIFF
I would like to remind everyone two-day lobster mini season is July 27 and 28. Anyone who plans to catch lobster in Monroe County during the two-day season should familiarize themselves with both state law and with local ordinances in the Florida Keys. I want to remind everyone of the following: • Remember: You must have a recreational saltwater fishing license and a lobster permit to harvest spiny lobsters. Make sure to review the rules for the area in which you will be harvesting lobster. Rules and laws vary depending on where you are in the Florida Keys.
• Marine thefts commonly happen in the Florida Keys and thieves see mini season as an opportunity to target people who are not careful with their valuables. Make sure you remove electronics, fishing and diving gear from your boat when you’re not on it and store this equipment somewhere secure.
• The Sheri ’s O ce will have extra patrols at boat ramps, bridges and on the water. Anyone caught with illegal lobster will be charged accordingly. All Sheri ’s O ce boats will be on patrol, and deputies will be operating a number of personal watercraft donated to the Sheri ’s O ce by Riva Motorsports & Marine of the Keys. They donate WaveRunners® each year to be used for law enforcement purposes such as this, as well as for regular patrols of hard to reach shoreline areas and residential canals.
• Please drive carefully. Pay attention to those around you, be patient and don’t pass in no-passing zones. Drinking and driving is, of course, illegal; drunk boating is also illegal and our o cers will be watching for this dangerous behavior on the water as well as on the roadways of the county. • A new dedicated website, www.keyslobsterseason.com, includes interactive videos with need-to-know dive and boating safety tips, up-to-date rules, regulations for lobster hunting within the Keys such as daily limits and correct harvesting techniques. It also stresses avoiding prohibited, no-take zones within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary boundaries.
Mini-season is a great time for residents and visitors alike and I want to ensure everyone is aware of the law, and behaving in a responsible, and safe, manner.
Monroe County Sheriff, Rick Ramsay
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